CVE-2026-17506 in Independent Analytics Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/05/2026
The Independent Analytics plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting via the 404 not_found_url tracking parameter in versions up to, and including, 2.15.0. This is due to the get_cell_content() function applying urldecode() after esc_url() when rendering the URL column for 404 entries — a sequence that allows percent-encoded HTML to pass URL validation and then be reconstructed as raw markup, which wp_kses_post() does not strip because it retains img elements and data-* attributes, and because the public REST endpoint /iawp/search accepts unauthenticated requests as long as they carry a signature that is itself embedded in public page HTML. This makes it possible for unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts in pages that will execute whenever a user accesses an injected page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2026
The vulnerability in the Independent Analytics plugin for WordPress represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that affects versions up to and including 2.15.0. This security weakness stems from improper input sanitization within the get_cell_content() function where urldecode() is applied after esc_url() during the rendering of URL columns for 404 entries. The sequence of operations creates a pathway for malicious actors to bypass standard security validations by leveraging percent-encoded HTML sequences that pass initial URL validation but are subsequently reconstructed as executable markup. This flaw directly aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as a result of inadequate input sanitization and improper output encoding.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the 404 not_found_url tracking parameter within the plugin's functionality. When an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing percent-encoded HTML sequences such as %3Cscript%3E or similar constructs, the esc_url() function initially validates the URL as safe due to its legitimate appearance. However, the subsequent application of urldecode() transforms these encoded sequences back into raw HTML markup that can contain executable JavaScript code. The wp_kses_post() function, which is designed to sanitize content for public display, fails to strip this malicious content because it explicitly retains img elements and data-* attributes while allowing script execution through various legitimate pathways such as data-src attributes or other permitted markup constructs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple XSS exploitation as it leverages the plugin's public REST endpoint at /iawp/search which accepts unauthenticated requests provided they contain a signature embedded within public page HTML. This design flaw eliminates the need for authentication or authorization to inject malicious payloads, making the attack surface significantly broader than typical stored XSS scenarios where users must be authenticated or have specific privileges. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to inject arbitrary web scripts that will execute whenever any user accesses a page containing the injected content, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect all visitors to affected WordPress sites.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Independent Analytics plugin to version 2.15.1 or later where the improper function call sequence has been corrected and input sanitization has been strengthened to prevent the reversal of URL encoding before proper sanitization occurs. System administrators should also implement additional defensive measures including monitoring of 404 error tracking parameters for unusual patterns, implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious URL encoding sequences, and ensuring that REST API endpoints do not expose sensitive functionality without proper authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation ordering and the dangers of relying solely on wp_kses_post() for comprehensive sanitization when dealing with user-controllable URLs. The attack vector also highlights the risks associated with embedding signature-based authentication within publicly accessible HTML content, as this approach can be easily exploited by attackers who can observe and reproduce the signature generation process through page source inspection. Organizations using this plugin should conduct thorough security audits of their WordPress installations to identify any existing malicious payloads that may have been injected through this vulnerability and implement proper content security policies to limit the execution scope of any injected scripts.